For the first time in a few years, the Astros did not have a major decision looming during the free agent arbitration period. Last year, Ed Wade declined arbitration on Miguel Tejada and offered it to Jose Valverde, taking the two picks when Valverde declined and signed with Detroit.

There are no Geoff Blums and Doug Brocails around this year and certainly no one the caliber of Tejada or Valverde to send the Astros’ brass into a dark, smoke-filled room.

The next big decision day looms for the under-team-control arbitration timeline, otherwise known as the non-tender deadline. Teams must offer contracts to these players by December 2. These players are then considered under contract for 2011 and many of these arbitrations will never make it to a panel as the team and players regularly settle before getting that far.

Players who are not offered a contract — or non-tendered — become free agents and may sign with other teams.

The Astros exchanged Felipe Paulino for Clint Barmes, both eligible for arbitration, so Houston has 11 players on which a decision looms. Let’s take a look at those 11 and you can offer your suggestions to Ed Wade. See if you agree with my projections and predictions.

Let’s start with the no-brainer group:

 Michael Bourn, second year arbitration.

Last year’s salary: $2.4 million.

Yes, he’ll be offered a contract, probably just a one year deal though rather than a two or three year deal. He can’t be a free agent until 2013, so a multi-year deal could enter the equation next season. Dependent on his 2011 numbers, it may even be a wise decision.

 Hunter Pence, second year.

Last year’s salary: $3.5 million.

He’ll get a contract offer and he won’t be a free agent until 2014! Get this — are you sitting down? — Other than Carlos Lee, Pence will be the highest paid position player on the team in 2011, short of a significant free agent signing.

Prediction: $6 millionish

 Jeff Keppinger, second year.

Last year’s salary: $1.15 million.

A member of the 2013 free agent class, Keppinger will get a hefty raise after two quality seasons in Houston. His 2011 season will likely determine whether the Astros consider a longer term deal.

Prediction: $3.5 million.

 Clint Barmes, third year.

Last year’s salary: $3.225 million.

If the Astros really believe he’s the shortstop for the foreseeable future, it wouldn’t be out of the question to consider a multi-year deal (he’s a free agent after the 2012 season). He’ll probably earn between $4 and $5 million this season in arbitration and a three-year deal buys out the first year of free agency.

Prediction: One year deal, $4.5 to $5 million.

 Wandy Rodriguez, third year.

Last year’s salary: $5 million.

Everyone remembers last year’s arbitration struggle, which actually went to the arbitrator who chose the Astros’ $5 million figure over Wandy’s $7 million. Has there ever been a better time for a three-year deal?

Prediction: 3 years, $25-$30 million.

The Probably Will Get an Offer Category.

 Humberto Quintero, third year.

Last year’s salary: $750,000.

He’s probably a keeper for Houston, although the Astros could non-tender and re-sign him at what they would consider an affordable price. I would simply offer and the settle with him.

Prediction: $1 million.

 Nelson Figueroa, first year.

Last year’s salary: $416,000.

Another non-tender candidate, but both the Astros and Figgy have indicated they’d like to get together for 2011. If he’s non-tendered, he could be re-signed. An first-year arbitration would probably net him in the $700,000 range.

Prediction: $700,000.

 Matt Lindstrom, second year.

Last year’s salary: $1.625 million.

Interesting situation. He earned big dollars in 2010 and had a good first half, not-so-good second half. With Brandon Lyon settling into the closer’s role and a slew of younger arms (Abad, Gervacio, Lopez, Villar et al), is it worth the risk to non-tender, then attempt to re-sign at a lower $$$ figure?

Prediction: tough call, but he’ll probably get a contract.

 Humberto Quintero, third year.

Last year’s salary: $750,000.

He’s probably a keeper for Houston, although the Astros could non-tender and re-sign him at what they would consider an affordable price. I would simply offer and the settle with him.

Prediction: $1 million.

And, the list of likely non-tenders.

 Gustavo Chacin, first year.

Last year’s salary: $400,000.

He would probably come cheap, but the Astros have younger, just-as-cheap arms in the equation.

Prediction: non-tender.

 Tim Byrdak, fourth year.

Last year’s salary: $1.6 million.

He’s a favorite of Astros’ management, but is he worth $2+ million with the other options Houston has? Shouldn’t be. See Chacin.

Prediction: Should be a non-tender, but will probably be offered and settle.